1986 Following a number of trouble free years in Space Exploration the Space Shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after take off watched by people live on TV around the world. The Internet Mail Access Protocol defined which opens the way for E-Mail and the same year the Human Genome Project is launched to understand the Human Makeup , this will open the way for great advances in the treatment of many illnesses. The worst ever Nuclear Disaster occurs as the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station Explodes causing the release of radioactive material across much of Europe. In the UK (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease is identified which causes many deaths over the next few years and a major reform in farming practices.

Cost of Living 1986

How Much things cost in 1986 Yearly Inflation Rate USA1.91% Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1895 Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 7.50% Average Cost of new house $89,430 Median Price Of and Existing Home $80,300 Average Income per year $22,400.00 Average Monthly Rent $385.00 Average Price for new car $9,255.00 1 gallon of gas 89 cents Below are some Prices for UK guides in Pounds Sterling Average House Price 44,040 Gallon of Petrol 1.89 Yearly Inflation Rate UK3.4% Interest Rates Year End Bank of England 10.88%

Iran-Contra Affair President Ronald Reagan's administration sold arms to Iran, an avowed enemy. At the time, Americans were being held hostage in Lebanon by Hezbollah, a militant Shi'a organization loyal to Ayatollah Khomeini.

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease first identified Following an epidemic of BSE in Britain, 157 people (as of 2004) acquired and died of a disease with similar neurological symptoms subsequently called vCJD, or (new) variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

175 Gold Miners Die in Kinross mine in the Eastern Transvaal, South Africa

United States

The experimental aircraft Rutan Voyager makes the first continuous non-stop flight around the world without refueling.

More Information and Timeline for the Rutan Voyager.
On December 23rd of 1986, the experimental aircraft Rutan Voyager became the first aircraft to fly a continuous non-stop round the world flight without refueling. The aircraft made of a lightweight graphite amd took about six years to construct. It was piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager. The record-breaking around the world flight took nine days and they traveled a total of 25,012 miles. When they landed back at Edwards Air Force Base, the Rutan Voyager had only five gallons of fuel left in its tank.

South Africa

The South African government censors reporters and the news media from reporting unrest throughout the country.

UK

Richard Branson on the 72 ft powerboat Virgin Challenger II breaks the world record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic

U.S.

Smoking is banned on all public transport including trains, planes, busses and coaches

Cameroon

Lethal gas from the volcanic Lake Nyos in Cameroon, West Africa kills 1,500

UK

Swedish Prime Minister Murdered

Scotland

A full survey is carried out of Loch Ness hoping to find proof that Nessie exists.( No Proof Found )

World

The experimental airplane Voyager, completed the first non-stop, around-the-world flight

UK

The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, is laid to rest alongside her husband King Edward VIII

Lebanon

A mass uprising by Palestinians against Israeli military occupation, begins in Jabalia refugee camp and spread to Gaza

UK

A british newspaper reveals information that Israel has Secret Nuclear Weapons including 100 nuclear war heads.

U.S.

Micronesia Gains Independence From the United States

U.S.

US introduces sweeping tax reform legislation

Argentina

Argentina Wins 1986 World Cup in Mexico

Technology

The United Kingdom and France announce plans to construct the Channel Tunnel.

Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrates after launch, killing all on board

Human Genome Project launched with the object to understand the human genome and therefore provide the continuing progress of medicine, It was announced in 2000 to be completed by Bill Clinton and Tony Blair

Inventions Invented by Inventors and Country ( or attributed to First Use ) High Temperature Superconductor Switzerland Nicotene patch Frank Etscorn